Scottish Island Stories Win French Readers' Hearts

May 25, 2012 - PRLog -- Following the success of the best-selling "The Blackhouse" (L'Ile des Chasseurs d'OIseaux), Peter May's critically acclaimed Lewis Trilogy set in the windswept Outer Hebrides, continues to take France by storm.

"The Lewis Man" Wins Prix des Lecteurs du Télégramme
The second book in the trilogy, "The Lewis Man", has just won the 2012 Prix des Lecteurs du Télégramme - the readers' prize of France's "Le Télégramme" newspaper.  It was chosen from a shortlist of six books by authors from around the world.

May was presented with a cheque for 10,000 Euros at a ceremony in Brest, France, on Thursday 24th May 2012 by Hubert Couderier of Le Télégramme.  Hervé Hamon, French author and publisher, and chairman of the committee who selected the shortlist said, " 'The Lewis Man' is a work of true literature. Peter May is able to take a subject so individual and unique yet make it relevant to everyone, touching the spirit of all those who read it."

"The Blackhouse", the first book in the trilogy, was also loved by French readers.  It won three literary awards in France last year including France's biggest readers prize, the 2011 Cezam Prix Littéraire, voted on by 3,500 jurors, the length and breadth of France.

"The Lewis Man" UK Hardback Best-Seller
Back in the UK, "The Lewis Man" has spent 20 weeks in the hardback best-sellers list since its publication at the beginning of 2012.

The third and final book in the trilogy, "The Chess Men" will be published in France in October 2012, and in the UK in January 2013.  

All of the books in the trilogy are published first in May's adopted home of France in French translation after "The Blackhouse" was initially turned down by all the major British publishers.  Hailed as "a masterpiece" by the French daily newspaper L'Humanité, it went on to be published all over Europe and was finally bought by British publishers Quercus who published it in February 2011.

"The Blackhouse" was chosen by Richard & Judy for their Book Club's autumn 2011 list and became a best-seller in UK hardback, paperback and e-book versions.

As well as literary success, former TV writer May received news from the Cannes Film Festival of another venture this week.

Peter May's China Thriller #3 "The Killing Room" to Become Movie

May's success is also set to transfer to the big screen.  French production company, Alexis Dantec and Fred Bellaiche’s 'French Connection' optioned "The Killing Room" two years ago and has just announced a co-production deal has been finalised with Dream Capture Studios in Korea to make a film adaptation of the book.  

The action will transfer from Beijing and Shanghai to Seoul and the film will be in English, French and Korean.  The Killing Room is the third in May's series of six China Thrillers.

Quercus marked the release of "The Lewis Man" by commissioning a video book trailer from video producers "Forest of Black" which can be viewed at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbADW8vDQUY